The Cancer in Iowa report, published annually by the Iowa Cancer Registry, provides an overview of the current burden of cancer in the state. This year, an estimated 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer, and about 6,400 Iowans will die from the disease. The number of cancer survivors continues to rise, with approximately 175,290 survivors now living in Iowa.

The 2026 Cancer in Iowa report features findings from the Agricultural Health Study, one of the world’s largest and longest-running active studies of agricultural exposures and health. The study began in the mid-1990s and includes more than 89,000 farmers, commercial pesticide applicators, and their spouses from Iowa and North Carolina. In Iowa, this includes more than 31,000 private pesticide applicators, 4,900 commercial applicators, and nearly 21,000 spouses.

Media Coverage

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State of Cancer: What the new Cancer in Iowa report says – KCCI

New Iowa cancer study shows rates of diagnosis, death still rising – Radio Iowa

Annual cancer report shows lower rates of the disease among farmers – Capital Dispatch

Iowa cancer report finds farmers had fewer cancers compared with the general population – KCRG

Iowa projects 21,700 new cancer diagnoses and 6,400 deaths in 2026, report says – KGAN

A new report’s finding on cancer in Iowa farmers is unexpected. Why? – Des Moines Register

As cancer rates continue to climb in Iowa, study finds fewer cases among farmers – The Gazette

Annual report finds Iowa cancer rates remain some of the highest in the nation – Iowa Public Radio

Cancer in Iowa: New report highlights cancer trends among farmers and young Iowans – KWWL

2026 Cancer in Iowa report released – WQAD

2026 cancer report projects 100 more Iowans to die from the disease than in 2025 – Daily Iowan